Higher education in the Philippines is diverse, consisting of public and private colleges and
universities. CHED regulates degree-granting institutions and ensures quality standards are met.
However, access to higher education remains unequal, as many families cannot afford tuition and
other expenses. To address this, government programs such as the Universal Access to Quality
Tertiary Education Act provide free tuition in state universities and colleges, allowing more
Filipinos to pursue college degrees.
Technical-vocational education and training (TVET) is another pathway provided by TESDA.
This equips learners with practical skills for immediate employment, such as in welding,
caregiving, or information technology. TVET programs are especially important for those who
cannot afford or do not wish to pursue higher education but still aim to acquire employable skills
that can lift their families out of poverty.